At least 2,196 homes across Zeeland have been insulated with toxic urea-formaldehyde (UF) foam, an investigation revealed on July 28, 2026.
The material emits carcinogenic formaldehyde gas, posing serious health risks.
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UF foam was widely used during the 1970s and 1980s as a budget-friendly cavity wall insulation.
Prolonged exposure can cause headaches, burning eyes, dizziness, and an elevated risk of nasal and throat cancer.
Health authorities have raised alarm over the widespread presence of the substance.
"UF foam primarily affects the respiratory tract, so eye irritation is possible, but it can also cause irritation to the lungs," said a spokesperson for GGD Zeeland.
"It is certainly also carcinogenic."
Although housing corporations stopped using the material, most lack comprehensive historical records identifying affected properties.
Clavis, managing properties in Terneuzen and Sluiskil, stated that investigations are unnecessary because the foam only poses risks within its first year.
However, experts note that aged, crumbling, or improperly installed foam continues leaking gas for decades.
Other housing providers present varying levels of oversight. Woongoed Zeeuws-Vlaanderen confirmed that one-third of its properties contain the material, while Zeeuwland identified 196 affected homes.
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"We last applied it two years ago. Those fumes are basically gone after one or two weeks," said a spokesperson for Woongoed Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
In response to safety risks, the Ministry of Interior temporarily suspended subsidies for UF foam insulation on April 1.
